Bhopal: The loss in big states has come as a major setback to Congress and also affects the prospects of INDIA alliance ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections.
Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan along with Chhattisgarh, have an estimated population of over 20 crore in 2023 and this huge territory is now again in Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s hands.
Congress could not even realise that on the grassroots, there was no impact of its pro-Hindutva rhetoric or optics like seeking blessings at Bageshwar Dham didn’t work.
Besides, Congress leaders failed to exploit the anti-incumbency factor in MP, as they had nothing in terms of alternative vision or something new to deliver or policies that could turn voters towards them.
The grand old party remained complacent and felt that, perhaps, bored after multiple terms of BJP, the public would on its own change the regime and vote en masse for the opposition.
However, in the last couple of months, Shivraj Chouhan used his entire political experience and goodwill among women voters apart from his immensely humble style in election campaign, to change the mood.
When he would ask the crowd if they would like to see the ‘Mama Sarkar’ go, it hit an emotional chord.
The scheme and transfer of cash, apart from promise to increase it in future, gave hope to poor women across communities and castes.
Congress appeared to do nothing unique and different. Had no great orators or charismatic leaders. The result is such a disastrous performance.
Kamal Nath was expected to lead from the front but he appeared clueless
Neither he could galvanize the campaign, nor give any passionate speeches or come up with slogans that could catch public attention.
It was dull and uninspiring leadership, devoid of emotions.
Kamal Nath, who has spent most of his time in national politics and earlier kept himself limited to Chhindwara for decades, was not a face that could garner votes in MP.
Also, the backroom planning, strategy and professionalism that is needed, was nowhere seen.
It was a tired old man who was made to mount the horse, act as a general and lead a weary army that had neither the killer instinct, nor the passion, and had come to battle, unenthusiastically.
